City streamlines contracting processes

The city of Amarillo is making information about building permits and inspections available through an automated phone system to streamline construction contracting processes.

The Amarillo Building Safety Department and volunteer contractors tested the “Building Safety 24/7” system for about six weeks before launching the system. It was set to be activated Tuesday night, Assistant City Manager Vicki Covey told the Amarillo City Commission Tuesday.

The Interactive Video Response system will provide an electronic means for builders to schedule inspections, access inspection results and check the status of city construction plan reviews. Builders can check to see if subcontractors have requested city inspections, for example, city Building Official Scott McDonald said.

And, upon completing inspections, city staff can key in information about whether the construction work passed inspection or, if not, codes to indicate deficiencies that must be corrected, McDonald said.

Members of the general public also can use the system for the same details, as well as an array of general information, city staff said.

Construction project information is accessed by using the number of the building permit issued by the city, Covey said.

Permit applicants also will receive automatic notification when a permit has been issued, according to a city news release.

The new system offers 24-hour flexibility for residents and contractors, McDonald said. It can be accessed via the Internet at permits.amarillo.gov or by touch-tone phone at 806-342-1555.